A Forres performer has drawn on Broadway inspiration to land a leading role in an Edinburgh musical.
Melissa McNaught has earned the main role ahead of 350 other contenders for the Scottish stage debut of Bring It On: The Musical at the King’s Theatre.
The rising star impressed a panel that included West End casting director Benjamin Newsome and popular Loose Women star and former TV talent show judge, Zoe Tyler, at auditions earlier this year.
The Broadway show is based on the American comedy about cheerleaders.
In rehearsals Miss McNaught has worked under American actress, Taylor Louderman, who played the same role when the show first opened in New York.
After a call back and another two rounds of successful auditions, the 20-year-old landed the principal role.
She said: “The auditions were advertised through social media and straight away I was interested. I know the films and it’s a really fun musical.
“Taylor Louderman was the original Campbell on Broadway, and that the director and producers have been able to get her across and be part of the production is just amazing. To be able to say I’ve worked with her will be great.”
Managing director of Beyond Broadway Productions, Drew Gowland, was full of praise for Miss McNaught’s performance.
He said: “Melissa is one of the shining lights among our cast of brilliant young performers.”
